
a.H-ROBIT^SOK. 



GUIDE TO 

NANTUCKET 







BY 




jK'h 


v^ ROBINSON 




Formerly of Nantucket 


and Member of The 


Nantucket Historical Association 






O^ 




SECOND EDITION 






CSJ» 




Copyright, 


1910, by J. H. Robinson 




Copyright, 


1905, by J. H. Robinson 



^r.^^ 



CONTENTS ^^ 

Points of Interest, Roads, Drives, Lightships, 
Lighthouses, etc., are shown upon the maps 
of the Island and County of Nantucket,Town 
of Nantucket, Village of Siasconset, and the 
Steamboat Route. 



Location and Description of 

Nantucket Island Page 8 

The Town of Nantucket .... " 9 

History of Nantucket " 10 

The Nantucket Whale Fishery . . " 14 
Descriptive Index to Points of Interest, " 3 



Note. — All distances are. iVf Statute or land miles. 



(^CU268758 




Page 

Agricultural Society, The Annual Cattle Show and Fair is held the 
latter part of August. 

ATHENEUM, Library 22 

ATHLETIC CLUB. See Brant Point 24 

Automobiles, not allowed upon the island. 

Banks, Pacific National at the head of Main Street Square; Nan- 
tucket Institution for Savings, Main Street Square. 
BATHING, Cliff Bathing Beach, page 29; 'Sconset, page 33; 
Wauwinet, page 36; Warm Salt Water Baths. eSe Cliff 

Bathing Beach, page 29 ; and 'Sconset 34 

Beacon Hill. See North Vestry 25 

BELL. See Tower 26 

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN SPRING. See Maddaket 39 

Boarding Houses, The Holiday Inn; Nesbit House; Waverley 
House; The Hill Crest; Palmer House; Pitman House; 
Roberts House ; Cliff Cottage ; Quanato Terrace. 
BOAT HOUSES, of the Massachusetts Humane Society, equipped 
with all the apparatus necessary to render assistance in case 
of shipwreck, are located at Tuckernuck, Smith Point, Head 
of Hummock Pond, Forked Pond, 'Sconset and Quidnet. 
See Road Map. 
BOATS, Sailboats, with or without skippers, are for hire at the 
Steamboat or Old North wharves for FISHING and SAIL- 
ING parties; CLAMBAKES can also be arranged for. 
Rowboats can be hired at the Old North wharf for ROW- 
ING, fishing in the Harbor, or CRABBING in The Creeks 
near Monomoy. 

Books relating to Nantucket 40 

BRANT POINT 24 

Cable house. See Maddaket 39 

Camping. See Quidnet 35 

CAPTAIN'S ROOM. See Rotch Market 30 

CASINO. See 'Sconset 33 

Cattle Show. See Agricultural Society. 

CEMETERIES 39 

CHURCHES, Congregational; see North Vestry, page 25; Unita- 
rian, page 26; Methodist, Center Street near Main, erected 
1823, first Methodist Church built in 1799, S. E. corner Fair 
and Lyons Streets ; Episcopal, Fair Street, erected 1901, first 
Episcopal Church erected 1839 on Broad Street, burned in the 
great fire of 1846; Baptist, Summer Street, erected 1839; 
Catholic, Federal Street, formerly a hall. See map of the 
Town of Nantucket. 

CLIFF, North Shore 31 

Bathing Beach 29 

Clock. See Tower 26 

COATUE, The narrow strip of land, opposite Brant Point, which 
separates the Harbor from the Sound and from which the 
EASTERN JETTY is built out to deepen the entrance to 
the Harbor. 

3 



DESCRIPTIVE INDEX TO POINTS OF INTEREST 

Page 

Coffin House 20 

Coffin, "Miriam." See "Miriam Coffin's County Seat." 

COFFIN SCHOOL 28 

COSKATA, that part of the island immediately north of the Head 
of the Harbor where THE COSKATA LIFE-SAVING 
STATION is located. See Great Point, page 27- See Life- 
saving Stations. 
Crabbing. See Boats. 

Cranberry Bogs. See 'Sconset, page 22> I Maddaket, page 39. The 
Gibbs' Pond, cranberry bog, is the LARGEST SINGLE, 
CULTIVATED, CRANBERRY BOG IN THE WORLD. 

Custom House. See Rotch Market 30 

Dead Horse Valley. See Old Mill 19 

DRIVING 9 

EAT FIRE SPRING, Fountain about three-fourths of a mile 
beyond Polpis, on the road to Wauwinet, is supplied with 
water from Eat Fire Spring, which is located several hundred 
feet north. See Road Map. 
Express Office, Main Street Square. 

First, Church, Schoolhouse, Townhouse, Jail, and Road 13 

House, Tristram Coffin's house, site marked by granite post 
just southwest of Cupaum Pond. 

Hut or habitation 12 

Lighthouse. See Brant Point 24 

Magistrate 13 

Purchasers II 

Settlers 12 

Steamboat 17 

Town. See Settlers 12 

FISHING. See Boats. Quidnet, page 35. Good perch fishing is 
found in most of the larger ponds. 

FRANKLIN SPRING. See Maddaket 39 

Friends' Meetinghouse. See Historical Association 18 

GOLF LINKS. See The Cliff, page 31 ; and 'Sconset 3^ 

Great Neck, that part of the island between Long Pond and Mad- 
daket Harbor. Includes Maddaket 39 

GREAT POINT, Lighthouse 2>7 

Gulf Stream. See Cliff Bathing Beach 29 

Gut Bridge. See Maddaket 39 

HAUL-OVER. See Wauwinet 36 

HIGHEST POINT on the island. See 'Sconset 34 

on the coast line. See 'Sconset 34 

on the North Shore. See The Cliff 31 

HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION 18 

HISTORY OF NANTUCKET 10 

Horseshoe House. See the Oldest House 20 

Hotels: In the town of Nantucket, the Sea Cliff Inn; Point Breeze 
Hotel ; Ocean House ; Veranda House, and Springfield House. 
In 'Sconset, Beach house ; Ocean View Hotel, and Atlantic 
House. At Wauwinet, the Wauwinet House. 
Humane Society. See Boathouses. 

INDIANS 12 

"Inquirer and Mirror." See Newspaper. 

JAIL 30 

Jethro Coffin House. See Oldest House 20 

Jetties. See Cliff Bathing Beach, page 29; and Coatue. 

LIBRARY 22 

4 



DESCRIPTIVE INDEX TO POINTS OF INTEREST 

Page 
LIFE-SAVING STATIONS. See Surfside, Maddaket, Coskata, 
and Muskeget. During the months of June and July stations 
are in charge of the keeper only ; thev are fullv manned all 
the other months of the year. The REGULAR DRILLS, 
given bv the station crews, are most interesting. 
LIGHTHOUSES. See Sankaty Head, page 35 ; Great Point, page 

2,7: Brant Point 24 

LISBON BELL. See Tower 26 

Low Beach. See 'Sconset 34 

MADDAKET 39 

MAPS of the Island of Nantucket. See folder. 
Town of Nantucket. See folder. 

Village of Siasconset. 32 

Steamboat Route, lights and lightships. See folder. 

MARIA MITCHELL ASSOCIATION 22 

Massachusetts Humane Society. See Boathouses. 

Massasoit Bridge. See Maddaket 39 

MEETINGHOUSE, Friends'. See Historical Association 18 

MILL 19 

Mill Hills. See Old Mill 19 

"MIRIAM COFFIN'S COUNTY SEAT," at Quaise (that part 
of the island reserved by Thomas Mayhew. See History, 
page 11). "Miriam" Coffin was a large ship owner and 
smuggler ; her house at Quaise had many concealed closets 
and passageways where goods were stored ; she was event- 
ually arrested and stood trial. The present farmhouse is 
located on the same site, and has in it much of the timber of 

the old Coffin house. Marker by roadside. See Polpis 38 

Mitchell, Maria. See Maria Mitchell Association 22 

MONOMOY, Just across the Harbor from Nantucket, about i 
mile from Steamboat wharf, and 2 miles by road. See Polpis, 
page 38, and Road Map. 

MONUMENT, Soldiers' and Sailors' 23 

Site of oldest burial ground. See Cemeteries 39 

Site of first house. See index, under First, etc. 

MUSEUM. See Historical Association 18 

MUSKEGET, Island of. THE MUSKEGET LIFE-SAVING 
STATION stands on the north beach (illustration, page 31). 
The eastern end of the island is owned by private parties, the 
remainder being set apart as a public oark. ELEVEN AND 
THREE-FOURTHS MILES FROM BRANT POINT. 
See Life-saving Stations. 

NANTUCKET, Island of. Location, description, etc 8 

Town of. Location, description, etc 9 

History of. Discovery, settlement, etc lO 

Whale Fishery 14 

Indians 12 

Maps of. Island and Town. See folder. 

Historical Association 18 

Athletic Club. See Brant Point 24 

Railroad. See 'Sconset 33 

How reached. See Town of Nantucket, page 10; 

and Steamboat Route Map. 

Newspaper, "Inquirer and Mirror." Office, Orange Street, near Main. 

NEWTOWN GATE. In the earlier days when thousands of 

sheep roamed the pastures, this gate stood across the south 

end of Orange Street, near the first milestone; just beyond 

the Asylum. The toll was one cent. 

S 



DESCRIPTIVE INDEX TO POINTS OF INTEREST 

Page 

No Bottom Pond. See History, page 13; and Road Map. 

NORTH SHORE ' 31 

NORTH VESTRY 25 

Noted People : Lucretia Mott, noted philanthropist, born 1793, 
corner Fair and School Streets. 
Abiah Folger, mother of Benjamin Franklin. See 

Maddaket 39 

William Mitchell, noted astronomer; father of 
Maria Mitchell. 

Maria Mitchell 22 

Hon. Charles J. Folger, Secretary of the Treasury. 

OCEAN STEAMSHIPS. See 'Sconset 34 

OLD BUILDINGS. See Mill, Jail, North Vestry, Oldest House, 
Meetinghouse, First Church, Road, 
House, etc. 

Peter Folger's house. See Maddaket 39 

Paddock House. See Oldest House 20 

Josiah Coffin House stands southwest cor- 
ner Cliff road and North Liberty Street ; 
erected 1724. 

OLDEST HOUSE 20 

Opening. See Wauwinet 2i7 

PACIFIC CLUB. See Rotch Market 30 

Paper. See Newspaper. 

POLPIS 38 

Population. See Town of Nantucket 10 and 16 

Post Office, Main Street Square, corner of Union Street. 

PUBLIC LIBRARY 22 

Quaise. See "Miriam Coffin's County Seat." 

Quaker Meetinghouse. See Historical Association 18 

QUIDNET 35 

Railroad. See 'Sconset 3Z 

Range lights. See Brant Point 24 

ROAD MAP. See folder. 

ROTCH MARKET 30 

ROWING. See Boats. 

SACACH A POND. See Quidnet 35 

SACHEM SPRING. See Cliff, page 31 ; and Road Map. 
SAILING. See Boats. 

SANKATY HEAD LIGHTHOUSE 35 

SAUL'S HILLS. See 'Sconset •• 34 

Schools: Three in the Town of Nantucket; one at 'Sconset, Polpis, 
and Tuckernuck. 

'SCONSET ^^ 

Settlers ^^ 

SHAWKEMO SPRING, on the road to Polpis (page 38), about 
a quarter of a mile south of the road. See Road Map. 

Sheep Raising, Sheep Common, Shearing 12 

Sherburne. See History of Nantucket ,' U' ' ' ' ' ^"^ 

SHORE DINNERS. See Wauwinet, Quidnet, Surfside, and Boats. 

SIASCONSET or 'Sconset ^^ 

Map of ^^ 

SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS' MONUMENT 23 

SOUTH SHORE. See Surfside. 

SOUTH TOWER ^° 

6 



DESCRIPTIVE INDEX TO POINTS OF INTEREST 

Page 

SPRINGS. See Franklin Spring, Sachem Spring, Shawkemo 
Spring, Eat Fire Spring, and Consue Spring. (Consne Spring. 
See map of the Town of Nantucket). 

SQUAM HEAD. See Wauwinet 36 

Standpipe. See Water Works. 

State Road. See 'Sconset, page 2i< and Road Map. 

Steamboats. See Town of Nantucket, p. 10, and Steamboat Route Map. 

Sunset Hill. See Oldest House 20 

SURFSIDE; THE SURFSIDE LIFE-SAVING STATION is 

located on the South Shore; it is a fine walk of THREE 
AND ONE-HALF MILES fom the Post Office. From Main 
Street take Pleasant Street to Atlantic Avenue. See map of 
Town of Nantucket and Road Map. Dinners can be arranged 
for at a house in the vicinity. See Life-saving Stations. 
Telegraph Office, Orange Street, just south of Main Street Square. 
(Also at the Weather Bureau on Orange Street, and the 
Wireless at 'Sconset). 

TEMPERATURE. See Nantucket Island 8 

Ticket Office, at Congdon's drug store on Main Street Square and 
the Steamboat wharf. 

TOM NEVER'S HEAD. See 'Sconset 34 

TOWER 26 

Town, Asylum. See map Town of Nantucket. 

Building, Washington Street, just south of Main St. Square. 

Clock. See Tower 26 

Hall, Orange Street. 

of Nantucket. Description, page 9; map, see folder. 

TUCKERNUCK, Island of. NINE MILES BY BOAT FROM 
NANTUCKET, or 3 miles from Warren's Landing at Mad- 
daket. This charming little island is a delightful destination 
for sailing parties. A number of families live here throughout 
tiie year and about 25 dwellings are dotted about the island ; 
the main settlement is on the north side, overlooking the 
EAST POND, and just south of BROOKS'S LANDING. 
A path which passes the SCHOOLHOUSE leads to the 
NORTH POND settlement, thence to the NORTH HEAD 
and back to the East Pond. The BOATHOUSE of the 
Massachusetts Humane Society stands near the SOUTH 
POND. See illustrations, pages 31 and 39. 

Unitarian Church. See Tower 26 

VESTRY 25 

WALKS. See Surfside, 'Sconset, Wauwinet. and Great Point. 

Warm Baths. See Cliff Bathing Beach and 'Sconset. 

WATER WORKS, about 2 miles west of the town. See the Cliff. 31 

WAUWINET 36 

Weather Bureau, on Orange Street. Signals are displayed to indi- 
cate the approach of storms or high wnnds. 

WHALE FISHERY 14 

Wireless Telegraph. See 'Sconset 34 

WRECKS. In the fall of 1902 the writer tramped around the 
island, camping at various points along the shore. At that time 
there were 6 huge pieces of wreckage about the island ; in 1909 
there were 8 pieces, the largest, practically the entire hull of a 
large schooner, lying on the western side of Muskeget. 

7 



N 



a n 



u 



n 




ANTUCKET is the 
largest of a group 
of islands known 
as Nantucket 
County, Massa- 
chusetts, its greatest 
LENGTH being 15 MILES, 
east and west, by about 4 
MILES IN WIDTH. It lies 
about 100 miles from the east- 
ern end of Long Island and 25 
MILES SOUTH OF CAPE 
COD, from which it is sepa- 
rated by Nantucket Sound, 
its southern, eastern and 
western shores being washed 
by the waters of the Atlantic. 
The nearest land on the east 
is PORTUGAL, at a dis- 
tance of 3,188 miles, and on 
the south the WEST 
INDIES, 1,463 miles. 

Nantucket is one of the 
most delightful summer re- 
sorts on the New England 
coast, and its climate the most healthful, its location 
precluding all possibility of a land breeze. The TEM- 
PERATURE of the atmosphere is RARELY OVER 85 
DEGREES, while that of the water is from 70 to 74. 
Excellent SURF BATHING is found upon the eastern and 
southern shores, and in the Sound and Harbor, STILL 
WATER. 

To those in search of health and recreation the conditions 
are ideal, the broad SANDY BEACHES, covered by an 
endless variety of seashells, pebbles and finely-wrought 
seaweeds, with now and then an old hulk of a vessel tossed 
up by the waves, afford a most comfortable lounging place 
and attractive tramping ground. The pleasure seeker will 
find all that can be desired at the seaside, BOATING, sail- 
ing or rowing, FISHING, tennis and bicycling; while fine 
GOLF courses are maintained near the towns of Nantucket 
and 'Sconset. The Nantucket ATHLETIC CLUB and the 
'Sconset CASINO furnish practically all kinds of amuse- 
ment. 

A sojourn upon the island has been likened to an ocean 
voyage with the disagreeable features eliminated. There 
is ALWAYS A BREEZE, and the pure, invigorating salt 




8 




air and bright sunshine, with the peace and quiet which 
pervades, is most soothing alike to the tired brain-worker 
and the person of nervous temperament. MALARIA IS 
UNKNOWN. That the climate is most beneficial for re- 
cuperative purposes, is the unanimous endorsement of many 
prominent members of the medical profession. 

AUTOMOBILES ARE NOT ALLOWED upon the 
island ; driving is therefore safe and attended with no dis- 
comforts. There are PLEASANT DRIVES to all parts 
of the island, with a never-ending variety of exquisite 
marine views. Many of the beauty spots lie hidden among 
THE HILLS, away from the main thoroughfares, and to 
see which it will be necessary to turn off into the old deep- 
rutted roads which form a network over the MOORS, where 
the wild flowers grow in profusion and the SCOTCH 
HEATHER blooms in all its native beauty. 

Although never thickly wooded, much of the timber used 
for building purposes, in the earlier days, was of island 
growth. Today no large trees are found outside of the 
town, but groves of fragrant dwarf pines, scrub oaks and 
cedars are scattered here and there about the island. 



T h 



Town of Nantucket 



This picturesque old town, with its narrow cobble-paved 
streets lined with frame dwellings and the sidewalk bor- 
dered with graceful shade trees, is located on a beautiful 
harbor, about midway of the island. It is charming in its 
quaintness ; the simplicity of design of its old buildings, 
dating back beyond the days when Nantucket lead the 
world in the whaling industry ; and the ivy-grown houses 
with the queer little roof-walks from which to view the 
surrounding waters. 




From the Tower Looking Toward the North Shore 

Nantucket is the county seat of Nantucket county, and 
has a POPULATION of 3,000, augmented during the 
months of July and August, when the season is at its height, 
by 10,000 visitors. 

During the summer months, with the exception of one 
Sunday boat, STEAMBOATS arrive and depart twice daily 
for Woods Hole (Boston connection), and New Bedford 
(New York connection via Sound steamers), on the main- 
land. Communication may also be had by TELEGRAPH, 
both cable and wireless. A RAILROAD between the town 
and 'Sconset is operated during the summer, and all parts 
of the island can be reached by*^ TELEPHONE. 

The HOTELS are first-class and there are excellent 
boarding houses, many private houses having rooms for 
rent, there is a POST-OFFICE, NATIONAL BANK, 
Institution for Savings, six churches. Town Hall, schools, 
LIBRARY, antique shops, and moving picture theaters. A 
BAND concert, on the Square, is the feature of the evening. 
The "Inquirer and Mirror," the only newspaper printed on 
the island, is issued every Friday evening. Gas, electricity 
and ice are furnished by local enterprises. WATER OF 
THE PUREST QUALITY, drawn from a spring-fed pond, 
is supplied to the town, which has an efificient fire depart- 
ment, water works, and sewerage system, and is well sup- 
plied with all necessaries incident to the health, convenience 
and amusement of the summer visitors. 



History 



f Nantucket 



Nantucket was DISCOVERED IN 1602, by Bartholomew 
Gosnold, an English mariner, who, in a small bark, with 
32 companions, sailed from Falmouth in March of that year, 
with the intention of establishing a colony in America. Two 
months later they landed near Salem, Massachusetts, but 
not being favorably impressed with the surroundings they 




From the Tower Locking Toward the South Shore 



re-embarked and sailed around Cape Cod, passing close to 
Nantucket, Marthas Vineyard and the Elizabeth Islands, 
from which group the}^ selected Cuttyhunk and established 
a settlement. They remained but a few weeks, their venture 
ending in failure. 

That Nantucket was in reality discovered many years 
before, there is little doubt, but positive proof is lacking. 
The claim of the English Government to these islands, by 
right of discovery, was based upon the voyage of John 
Cabot, and his son Sebastian, who, in 1498 cruised along 
the coast from Florida to Labrador. 

William. EARL OF STERLING, obtained the grant, 
including the islands south of Cape Cod, from "The Council 
for New England," a corporation created by the King in 
1621, for the purpose of encouraging and establishing colo- 
nial settlements in America. 

In 1637 JAMES FORRETT came to New York, ap- 
pointed by Lord Sterling as his agent to dispose of the 
territory thus acquired. IN OCTOBER, 1641, Forrett sold 
the island of Nantucket to THOMAS MAYHEW and son, 
who. in FEBRUARY, 1659, FOR "THIRTY POUNDS 
CURRENT PAY, AND TWO BEAVER HATS, ONE 
FOR MYSELF, AND ONE FOR MY WIFE," sold all 
but a one-tenth interest, which included that part of the 
island called QUAISE, to nine others, viz.: TRISTRAM 
COFFIN, Sr., CHRISTOPHER HUSSEY, RICHARD 
SWAINE, THOMAS BARNARD, PETER COFFIN, 
STEPHEN GREENLEAF, JOHN SWAINE, THOMAS 
MACY, AND WILLIAM PILE. Each purchaser chose 
an associate, viz. : John Smith, Nathaniel Starbuck, Robert 
Pike, Thomas Look, Robert Barnard, James Cofifin, Tris- 
tram Coffin, Jr., Thomas Coleman, and Edward vStarbuck, 
The tenth part which belonged to William Pile was divided, 
one-half to John Bishop and one-half to William, Mary. 
Ann, and Alartha Bunker. These were the purchasers who. 
in Mav. 1660. BOUGHT THE RIGHT OF THE INDIAN 
SACHEMS to the island. 




The South Beach and Monomoy 

Of the 360 INDIANS who inhabited the island, when the 
settlers arrived, 222 were carried away by disease which 
visited them in 1763-4. The remainder gradually disap- 
peared, THE LAST FULL-BLOODED INDIAN DYING 
IN 1822. 

A half-breed by the name of Abram Quary, the last man 
with Indian blood in his veins, died in 1855. He lived on 
Abram's point, on the south side of Nantucket harbor, not 
far from an old Indian burying ground. 

Thomas Macy, Edward Starbuck and Thomas Coleman, 
representing the settlers, spent the winter of 1658-9 on the 
island, building their HUT AT MADDAKET. They came 
to consult with the Indians in regard to purchasing certain 
rights and privileges, and to determine the best location 
for their dwellings. 

In JUNE, 1661, the SETTLERS, then living in Amesbury 
and Salisbury. Massachusetts, EMBARKED FOR THEIR 
NEW HOME accompanied by Peter Folger, an interpreter 
of the Indian language, whose daughter was the mother of 
Benjamin Franklin. They landed at Cupaum harbor, now 
Cupaum pond (closed by a storm about the vear 1700), and 
built their houses NEAR THE HEAD OF HUMMOCK 
POND, and took up fishing, farming and SHEEP RAISING 
as a means of obtaining a livelihood. The territory pur- 
chased from the Indians, outside of the dwelling sites, was 
held in common and was used by all for sheep grazing. 
The number of sheep any one person could own was deter- 
mined by the proportion of his interests in the original 
island shares, to the land available for such purpose. It 
was agreed that an acre of common land was sufficient to 
maintain one sheep, hence the term "SHEEP COMMONS," 
an expression readily understood by the Indians. In 1775 
the flocks numbered over 15,000 head, and the ANNUAL 




Near Commercial Wharf 



SHEARING, which commenced on the Monday nearest the 
20th of June, was the occasion for a general celebration, 
and in later years many strangers, called "COOFS" by the 
islanders, came to attend the festivities. The western 
shear-pen was located near MAXCY'S pond, and the eastern 
near GIBBS' pond, and when the eastern shearing was 
finished the western commenced. The LAST SHEARING 
occurred in 1847, ^^ which time the shear-pen was located 
near MIACOMET pond. 

Tristram Coffin was the FIRST CHIEF MAGISTRATE 
of the island, and was appointed in 1671 by Governor Love- 
lace of NEW YORK, to which colonv the island belonged, 
and to whom was paid an "ANNUAL TAX of FOUR 
BARRELS OF MERCHANTABLE COD FISH." The 
name of the town at that time was SHERBURNE. 

The FIRST ROAD extended from the settlement to the 
harbor, being the same as West Center and Chester streets 
of today. The FIRST CHURCH, SCHOOL HOUSE, 
TOWN HOUSE, and JAIL were on this road and stood 
just north of NO BOTTOM POND, and about one-half 
mile west from the junction of West Center and North 
Liberty streets. In 1667 a GRISTMILL was built near 
Chester street, between Center and North Water streets, 
on the bank of the Lily pond brook, and in 1676 a FULL- 
ING MILL was built and operated near by. 

In 1673 THE TOWN WAS MOVED to its present site, 
known to the Indians as "Wesquo." It retained the name 
of SHERBURNE UNTIL 1795, when it was changed to 
Nantucket. The island was no longer a part Of the New 
York Colony, having been ANNEXED to the Province of 
Massachusetts IN 1692. 

13 




Old Whaler " Morning Star " 

The illustrations of this old whaleship are from photographs taken by the writer the day 
before she sailed on a cruise which lasted four years, returning safely with a cargo of oil. 



The Nantucket Whale Fishery 



Thirty years after the settlers had taken up their abode 
on the island, or about the year 1690, THE CATCHING 
OF WHALES commenced. It was evident from the num- 
ber of dead whales washed ashore (which it had been agreed 
the Indians should have), that the waters about them held 
in store an additional means of obtaining- a livelihood. 
WHALES WERE FREQUENTLY SEEN spouting and 
sporting in the sea not FAR FROM THE SHORE, and 
to devise a method of capture was a problem which the 
inhabitants undertook to solve. That they were successful 
is evidenced by the fact that whales were soon being taken 
by means of small boats which put out from the shore. 
The south side of the island was divided into four beats, 
and MASTS WERE ERECTED on the blufifs bordering 
the beach, where lookouts were stationed with a horn with 
which to call the boat crews, numbering six, and advise 
them of the whereabouts of the whale. After capture the 
whale was towed ashore to the TRY-WORKS ON THE 
BEACH, where the oil was extracted, placed in barrels and 
carted across the island. 

The growth of the industry was rapid and in the course 

14 




Deck of the Old Whaler " Morning Star" 



of a few years sloops and even small schooners were fitted 
out for short voyages. STRAIGHT WHARF was built 
in 1720. In 1772 two Nantucket whaleships sailed for Lon- 
don with cargoes of oil, and after unloading they were 
chartered to bring cargoes of TEA TO BOSTON. 
Upon their arrival in 1773 the tea was promptly thrown 
overboard, thus making a familiar bit of history. At the 
breaking out of THE ^REVOLUTION, in 1775, the fieet 
numbered 140 SEA-GOING CRAFT, including brigs of 
considerable size. The war proved a severe blow to the 
industry, the vessels being nearly all lost by capture. 

After the PEACE OF 1783 business was revived, larger 
vessels were built, and longer voyages undertaken. The 
FIRST SHIP TO FLY THE FLAG IN A BRITISH 
PORT was the "Bedford," Capt. Mooers, from Nantucket, 
with a cargo of oil, in 1783. The cruising grounds were no 
longer confined to the Atlantic, and in 1791 the ships of 
Nantucket became the PIONEERS OF THE PACIFIC 
whale fishery, the FIRST WHALER TO ROUND CAPE 
HORN being the ship "Beaver," Capt. Paul Worth. 

In 1794 the population of Nantucket was 5,600, and of 
this number one-half were Quakers. 

During the WAR WITH ENGLAND, 1812-1814, many 
vessels were lost and the people suffered the greatest dis- 
tress. After the declaration of peace the industry was 
prosecuted with renewed energ}^; new and larger vessels 

15 




Deck of the Old Whaler " Morning Star " 

were added to the fleet, and the wharves, strewn with 
anchors, try-pots, spars, timber and oil casks, were lined 
with whaleships fitting out for the contemplated voyage, 
and an air of life and activity prevailed. 

IN 1840 NANTUCKET HAD A POPULATION OF 
9,712, and was THE LARGEST WHALING PORT IN 
THE WORLD. At this time, SHIP BUILDING was 
carried on quite extensively on Brant Point, and the manu- 
facture of nearly everything to meet the local demand was 
engaged in, and included cordage of all kinds, whaleboats, 
blocks, pumps, boots, shoes, nails, brushes, bellows, silk, 
and straw. TEN ROPEWALKS, 36 CANDLE HOUSES, 
several tanneries, and an iron and brass foundry were in 




Old Candle House 
16 




1 he Life-savers Landing in the Surf at South Shore 

operation, besides numerous sail-lofts and cooper shops 
where casks and candle boxes were made. 

THE DECLINE OF THE WHALING INDUSTRY 
dates from the fall in the price of oil, in 1842. Other ports 
were growing in importance and the business was being 
overdone ; while whales were becoming scarce, VOYAGES 
OF FOUR YEARS very often ending in failure. A 
GREAT FIRE in 1846 destroyed nearly a million dollars' 
worth of property, and the GOLD FEVER of 1849 drew 
heavily upon the male population of the town. The LAST 
WHALESHIP sailed in 1869 and the industry, so far as 
Nantucket is concerned, has become extinct, although for 
many years it was the headquarters of the American whale 
fishery, and the people of the island its pioneers. 

The FIRST STEAMBOAT to run between the island 
and the mainland was the "Eagle," which crossed the Sound 
in 1818, but many years elapsed before steamboats were 
running with any degree of regularity, sailing vessels being 
depended upon for communication with the ports of New 
Bedford, Boston, New York, Albany, and Baltimore; and 
a fair schedule was maintained by these "PACKETS." 

It was not until 1870 that Nantucket, on account of its 
climate, so wonderfullv beneficial for recuperative purposes, 
began to attract attention as a SUMMER RESORT, since 
which time it has steadily grown in popularity. SINCE 
1875 the population has averaged about three thousand, 
whose occupation, beside the entertainment of the summer 
visitor, is FISHING, FARMING, and the cultivation of 
CRANBERRIES. 



17 




The Nantucket Historical Association— Museum 

The Nantucket Historical Association — Museum 

From Main Street, take Fair Street. OPEN DAILY, EXCEPT 
SUNDAY, 9 TO 5. ADMISSION 15 CENTS. 

Adjoining the FRIENDS' MEETINGHOUSE, on Fair 
street, is the new bnilding of the Historical Association, in 
which is a MUSEUM, considered one of the best in the 
State. 

THE ASSOCIATION was organized in May, 1894, and 
incorporated two months later, with headquarters in the 
OLD MEETINGHOUSE, which they bought during that 
year. Since that time the Association has erected a FIRE- 
PROOF BUILDING to insure the preservation of the many 
OLD RECORDS and articles of historical interest which 
they have on exhibition. One of the most interesting speci- 
mens is the JAW OF A SPERM WHALE, taken in the 
Pacific Ocean by the bark "Islander," Capt. Cash, of Nan- 
tucket. It measures 17 feet in length, weighs 800 pounds, 
and has 46 teeth. The length of the whale was 87 feet, 
circumference 36 feet, weight about two hundred tons, and 
yield of oil, no barrels. 

In the vestibule of the new building is a MEMORIAL 
TABLET upon which is inscribed the names of the 21 
Nantucket sailors who served on the "Ranger" and "Bon 
Homme Richard." under Commodore John Paul Jones, in 
the Revolutionary War, and that of Lieut. Pinkham, U. S. 
N., of Nantucket, whose personal efiforts were the means of 
preserving the birthplace of John Paul Jones at Arbigland, 
Scotland, in 1831. 

18 



The OLD MEETINGHOUSE was BUILT BY THE 
FRIENDS' IN 1838, being originally used by them as a 
SCHOOL. It was transformed into a place of worship in 
1864 and used as such until the last member of the society 
on the island passed away. The furnishings and arrange- 
ments are the same as in former years. 




Old Windmill 



The Old Mill 



Main Street to Pleasant Street to South Mill Street. ADMISSION 
15 CENTS. 



Just southw^est of the town and in that locality known 
as the "MILL HILLS" stands the old mill. It was BUILT 
IN 1746, the date cut into the stone doorstep, and the tim- 
bers used in its construction grew just across DEAD 
HORSE VALLEY, to the south. 

In 1776, three mills were in operation on the hills, the 
one now standing being the easternmost. DURING THE 
REVOLUTION the vanes were set to give warning of 
the approach of British vessels. 

The mill is now the property of the Historical Associa- 
tion, and is open to the public. 

19 




Old Coffin House 

The Oldest House on the Island 

From Main Street Square, take Center Street to West Center Street 
to Sunset Hill Street. OPEN FROM 9 TO 12 AND 2 TO 5. 
ADMISSION 15 CENTS. This route passes OLD NORTH 
VESTRY (page 25). 

An interesting relic of the earlier days of Nantucket is 
the old JETHRO COFFIN HOUSE, which stands on 
SUNSET HILL. It faces south and has a huge HORSE- 
SHOE formed of brick on the front of the chimney, while 
on the back is the date on which the house WAS BUILT, 
1686. 

It was a WEDDING GIFT to Mary Gardner and Jethro 
Coffin and was built for them by John Gardner and Peter 
Coffin, fathers of the bride and groom, respectively. 

Among the interesting features is the FIREPLACE, 
which is built of LARGE BRICKS laid in mortar made 
from LIME OBTAINED FROM SEASHELLS. The little 
OPENING NEAR THE DOOR, through which to observe 
those seeking admittance, is also a most desirable feature 
when it is remembered that several hundred INDIANS 
ROAMED AT WILL about the island. 

The northeast corner of the house was destroyed by fire 
many years ago and repairs were made without regard to 
the original rectangular lines. 

Within a stone's throw, and southeast of the Coffin house, 
stands the OLD PADDOCK HOUSE, BUILT IN 1720. 



(m 



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tuckehnuck shoal . 



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NANTUCKET COUNTY 

MASSACHUSETTS 






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SURVEYED & DRAWN BV 
J. M. ROBINSON. 



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/WADUAKET L.S.S.6'4MILES 

EELPOINT 5 

MOMOMOV 2 " ^ , 

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QUIONET- -7'& '• I- GREAT PT. LIGHT. . .7'/a " 

siAscoNSET 7'.i •■ 5 Imonomoy »;« •■ 

" VIA POLPIS-lOVj .. eg / MUSKEGET ID Il%4 .. 

" •• N. R,R. B'k .. "'" |TUCKERNUCKID.-.8*4 •■ 

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SAN((ATY HEAD LlSXf 

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Di^ance 

TO THE 

Horizon 



BEGINNING with 
five feet, the 
height of the aver- 
age eye above the 
water when stand- 
ing at the water's 
edge, the table be- 
low will give the 
distance at which 
an entire object can 
be seen from the 
height given. 



Nlass.Hum&neS^. 

BOAT HOU&C 

MADDAKET L.S.S^ 



MaES.Humanel 

BOAT HOuSi 



FomNeverBHead 



Pt. o'Breakers 



COPYRIGHT, 1910, BY J.H.ROBINSON. 



4^ 



70JI0' 



70°0rf 



Feet 



Stat. 
Miles 

22.12 

22.50 

22.89 

23.28 

23.65 

24.01 

24.38 

24.74 

25.08 

25.43 

25.77 

26.1) 

26.44 

26.77 

27.09 

27.42 

27.73 

28.03 

28.35 

28.66 

28.95 

29.26 

29.56 

29.85 

30.14 

30.43 

30.72 

30.99 

31.29 

31.57 

31.84 

32.12 

32.38 

32.93 

33.71 

34.98 

36.20 




\ 



The route traveled by the steamboats plying between Nantucket and the mainland is shown by the dotted red line, and the points of 
interest visible on a clear day are shown by dotted lines which emanate therefrom. Figures indicate the distance in statute miles from the 
nearest point on route to the object designated. 

From New Bedford to Woods Hole, i6 miles, i hour and 20 minutes; from Woods Hole to Oak Bluffs, 8 miles, 40 minutes; from Oak 
Bluffs to Nan*:ucket, 30 miles, 2 hours and 30 minutes. Total distance, 54 miles; total time, 4 hours and 30 minutes. 

On a clear day land is visible at all times from the upper deck of the steamer, the point farthest away being 2 miles (about 10 minutes) 
before the lightship on Cross Rip Shoal is reached, when Cape Poge lighthouse and the Muskeget Life-saving Station are equidistant, 7^ 
miles. 

The route passes close 10 the lightship, papers, magazines, etc., being frequently thrown on board. The lightship is half way between 
Oak Bluffs and Nantucket, 1% hours being required to reach the wharf. 

In addition to the Muskeget station, the following points appear along the horizon, in the order named : Houses on Tuckernuck, Maddaket 
Life-saving Station, Standpipe, and the houses on the Cliff, back of which the town of Nantucket is hidden. 




and the mainland is shown by the dotted red Hne, and the points of 
late therefrom. Figures indicate the distance in statute miles from the 

utes; from Woods Hole to Oak Bluffs, 8 miles, 40 minutes; from Oak 
nee, 54 miles; total time, 4 hours and 30 minutes. 

t the steamer, the point farthest away being 2 miles (about 10 minutes) 
lighthouse and the Muskeget Life-saving Station are equidistant, 7>^ 

being frequently thrown on board. The lightship is half way between 

f. 

along the horizon, in the order named : Houses on Tuckernuck, Maddaket 

which the town of Nantucket is hidden. 




Cross Rip Lightship 



21 




The Atheneum 

Public Library — Atheneum 

The Atheneum is on Federal street but a short distance 
from Main Street Square. The library occupies the lower 
floor of the building and numbers nearly 15,000 VOLUMES. 
All of the leading magazines and reviews are found in the 
reading room. 

STARTING IN 1820 with 26 VOLUMES, the library 
has grown to its present proportions. The "Nantucket 
Atheneum" society was incorporated in 1836, and occupied 
the Universalist church building, which they bought and 
fitted up for the purpose. The building was destroyed in 
the great fire of 1846, and from the insurance thereon the 
present structure was erected. ABOVE THE LIBRARY 
IS A HALL. The museum, which for many years occupied 
a room in this building, has been placed in the fireproof 
structure of the Historical Association on Fair Street. 

Birthplace of Maria Mitchell 

Main Street to SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS' MONUMENT 
(page 23). Milk Street to Vestal Street. OPEN DAILY, EXCEPT 
SUNDAY, FROM 9.30 TO 12, AND 2.30 TO 5. ADMISSION 15 
CENTS. 

This old house, now the property of the MARIA MIT- 
CHELL MEMORIAL ASSOCIATION of Vassar grad- 
uates and others, was BUILT IN 1790, and stands on Vestal 
street, just west of Milk street, where, in AUGUST, 1818, 
this noted astronomer was born. 

In 1847 she discovered the comet which bears her name, 
and held the chair of mathematical astronomy at Vassar 




illiiiiJI 



Birthplace of Maria Mitchell 



College from its opening until her death, which occurred 
in June, 1899. 

In the yard adjoining is a FIREPROOF OBSERVA- 
TORY, built by the Association, and equipped with a tele- 
scope, a gift to Prof. Mitchell, in 1858. 




Soldiers' and Sailors' 
Monument 

Main Street to MONUMENT 
SQUARE. 

With the money raised by 
local subscription the monu- 
ment was erected in memory of 
the 74 fellow-townsmen who 
GAVE UP THEIR LIVES IN 
BATTLE during the Civil 
AVar. Nantucket gained the 
distinction of "BANNER 
TOWN" OF THE COMMON- 
WEALTH, by sending into the 
army and navy three hundred 
and thirty-nine men, fifty-six 
more than her quota. 
23 




Old Lighthouse, Brant Point 

Brant Point 

From Main Street Square, take Federal Street to Broad Street, to^ 
Beach Street, to Easton Street. THREE-QUARTERS OF A MILE. 
Passes the PUBLIC LIBRARY (page 22), and the NANTUCKET 
ATHLETIC CLUB. 

This is the site of the FIRST LIGHTHOUSE IN THE 
UNITED STATES, which was ERECTED IN 1746. At 
that time Brant Point was several hundred vards west of 
its present position. No less than TEN LIGHTHOUSES 
have been built on this point, and two are standing at the 
present time, the others having been blown down or de- 
stroyed bv fire. 

The SMALL WHITE LIGHTHOUSE on the tip of 
the point has been there but a few vears. The light is 
26 FEET ABOVE THE WATER, AND IS VISIBLE 




Nantucket Athletic Club 
24 



ABOUT 6 MILES. The lantern was taken from the OLD 
TOWER, standing 600 feet west, which was BUILT IN 
1856. 

The new RANGE LIGHTS, of skeleton construction, 
ERECTED IN 1908, were made necessary by changing the 
■course of the channel, recently dredged, since which time 
the old Cliff Range Beacons, erected in 1838, near the bath- 
ing beach, have been discontinued. The lights shown are 
FIXED WHITE. 

In former years SALT-WORKS were in operation here 
and a good quality of sea salt was manufactured. SHIP- 
YARDS were also located on the point, and considerable 
shipbuilding was carried on. A MARINE RAILWAY was 
employed in removing the larger vessels from the water, 
that repairs could be readily made. 

Old North Vestry 

From Main Street Square, take Center Street to the Congregational 
Church; VESTRY STANDS IN THE REAR. 

This structure. BUILT OF ISLAND TIMBER, was 
ERECTED ABOUT 171 1, and stood a little to the north 
of NO BOTTOM POND, or about one-half mile west from' 
the junction of west Center and North Liberty streets. 

In 1765 it was moved to BEACON HILL, where the 
Congregational Church now stands, and in 1834 WAS 
MOVED BACK to make room for the present church 
building, in connection with which it is still used. 




Old North Vestry 




Unitarian Church- 
Tower 



South 



From Main Street Square, take 
Orange Street. Admission to the 
tower, NOT OPEN AT ALL 
HOURS, can be obtained of the at- 
tendant who rings the bell at seven in 
the morning and at noon. 

ERECTED IN 1810 the old 

church and tower, with its 
gilded dome iiashing in the 
sunhght, stands guard over the 
town, ever ready to give warn- 
ing in case of danger. 

In its oaken tower is located 
the TOWN CLOCK, and his- 
toric OLD BELL, striking out 
the hours of the day and peal- 
ing forth for a little while at 
SEVEN in the morning, at 
NOON, and at NINE in the 
evening. At night a watchman 
is on duty to keep a lookout for 
fire, the bell being connected 
with the automatic FIRE 
ALARM svstem. 

From the LOOKOUT, the 
floor of which is 86 feet above 
the street, or 120 feet above sea level, a FINE VIEW can be 
had of the town, island and surrounding waters. From the 
base of the tower to the tip of the vane spindle is no feet. 
The CLOCK DIALS are nine feet four inches in diameter. 
In the belfry hangs the OLD LISBON BELL, noted for 
its remarkable sweetness of tone. It WEIGHS 1,575 pounds 
and was one of a set of six bells cast for a church of great 
veneration, at Mountain, in Lisbon, Portugal. Capt. Charles 
Clasby, of Nantucket, who, in 1812, visited the FOUNDRY 
IN LISBON, where the bell was cast, was charmed by its 
mellow tone, and expressed a desire to have it. As the bell 
had not been consecrated he was able to purchase it and 
another was substituted to complete the chime of six. It 
was BROUGHT TO THE ISLAND in the whaleship, 
"William and Nancy," Capt. Thomas Gary, and in 1815 
WAS HUNG IN THE TOWER. 

The INSCRIPTION ON THE BELL is in Portuguese, 
and is as follows : 

"AO BOM JEZUS DO MONTE COMPLETAO SEUS 
VOTOS OS DEVOTOS DE LISBOA, OFFERECENDO 



26 



LHE HUM COMPLETO JOGO DE SEIS SINOS PARA 
CHAMAR POS OVOS ADORALO NO SEU SANTU- 
ARIO. 

"JOZE DOMINGUES DACOSTA OFEZ EM LISBOA 
NOANNO DE 1810/' 

TRANSLATION: 

"To the Good Jesus of the Mountain the devotees of 
Lisbon direct their prayers, offering Him one complete 
set of six bells, to call the people and adore Him on His 
Sanctuary. 

"Jose Domingos da Costa has done it in Lisbon on the 
year 1810." 



Diagram of the Points of Interest Visible from 
the South Tower 




27 




The Coffin School 

Coffin School 

Main Street to Winter Street. 

The school was FOUNDED IN 1827, by SIR ISAAC 
COFFIN, a British Admiral, for the sole benefit of the 
descendants of Tristram Coffin. It was closed in 1898, the 
fund being- inadequate for the successful operation of the 
school. Legislative permission having been obtained and 
the permanent funds added to, it was reopened, in 1903, to 
all students, as a MANUAL TRAINING SCHOOL, in 
co-operation with the public school system. 

Its interests are looked after bv the COFFIN SCHOOL 
ASSOCIATION OF NANTUCKET, organized to promote 
the interests of Admiral Sir Isaac Coffin's Lancasterian School. 

CLASSES in mechanical drawing, woodworking, cabinet- 
work, sewing and basketrv, are taught. 

The SCHOOL WAS ORIGINALLY LOCATED ON 
THE EAST SIDE OF FAIR STREET, a short dis- 
tance north of Lvons street. The present building was 
ERECTED IN 1852. 

ISAAC COFFIN was born in Boston, in 1750. At the 
age of fourteen he entered the British Navy, became an 
admiral and after retiring from active life returned to 
America. Visiting Nantucket, where his great-grandfather, 
Tristram Coffin, was one of the first settlers, he found a 
thriving town of 8,000 population, many of whom were akin 
to him. Desirous of doing something in their behalf he 
established the school. 

28 



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'JS^irl 



'n^s^^ 




The Cliff Bathing Beach 

The Cliff Bathing Beach 

From Main Street Square, take Federal Street to Broad Street to 
Beach Street to North Beach Street to the beach road. ONE MILE. 
Passes the PUBLIC LIBRARY (page 22), and the NANTUCKET 
ATHLETIC CLUB. 

CARRIAGES MAKE REGULAR TRIPS from Main Street 
Square. FARE 10 CENTS. 

BOAT leaves OLD NORTH WHARF, daily at 9.30, 10.30, and 
11.30 a. m., returning, leaves beach at 10, 11, and 12. FARE 10 
CENTS. 

Under the North Shore cliffs, where the WESTERN 
JETTY juts out into the sound, is the Cliff Bathing Beach, 
noted for its excellent STILL-WATER BATHING. 

The proximity of the GULF STREAM, which flows 

nearer the island than at 

any point on the coast ex- 
cept Florida, renders the 
WATER OF A WARM- 
ER TEMP E R A T U R E 
than is usually found at 
this latitude, the averag'e 
being- from 70 TO 74 DE- 
GREES during the months 
of July and August. 

The land upon which 
the Pavilion stands and 
the iminediate vicinity, 
has been set apart as a 
Public Park. 

WARM SALT WA- 
TER BATHS can be had 

at an establishment ad- 
joining the Athletic Club, 
near the steamboat wharf. 

29 




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'^'^2'^E 







Rotch Market 



Rotch Market 

This old market is located at 
the foot of Main Street Square. 
The building was ERECTED 
IN 1772 by William Rotch, a 
famous shipowner, and was 
later used by him as a WARE- 
HOUSE. It is now the prop- 
erty of the "PACIFIC CLUB." 
The "CAPTAIN'S ROOM" is 
on the first floor and faces THE 
SQUARE. It was the custom 
for the shipmasters to meet 
here and exchange experiences 
and discuss the news of the 
day. The CUSTOM-HOUSE 
is in this building. 

Jail 



Main Street to SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS' MONUMENT 

(page 23). Milk Street to Vestal Street, passing BIRTHPLACE 
OF MARIA MITCHELL (page 22), to jail which is LOCATED 
BACK OF THE JAILER'S HOUSE, where application should be 
made for admission. 

This old building, with its whitewashed interior, huge 
wooden doors and heavy iron fastenings, stands as a menace 
to the wrongdoer. It was BUILT IN 1805, and has ever 

been noted for the fewness and orderliness of its occupants. 




Old Jail 

.30 



The Cliff-North Shore 

From Main Street Sciuare, take Center Street to North Shore Hill to 
Cliff Road. Distance ONE MILE. See map of the town or road map. 
This route passes OLD NORTH VESTRY (page 25). 

The HIGHEST POINT on the "NORTH SHORE" of 

the island is one mile northwest from the center of the town, 
at which point the bluff rises to a height of 62 FEET. The 
locality is known as the "CLIFF," and many summer resi- 
dences have been built here. On a clear day a fine view 
can be had, and numbers of vessels mav be seen sailing 
"down" THE SOUND. The island of TUCKERNUCK 




The liast i'ond, Tuckernuck 

(index), the MUSKEGET LIFE-SAVING STATION 
(index) and GREAT POINT LIGHT HOUSE (page 37) 
can be seen, and the STEAMBOAT is VISIBLE an hour 
before it reaches the wharf. 

The GOLF CLUB house, not far distant, is located on 
the Cliff road which leads to the WATER-WORKS. 

SACHEM SPRING is on the beach at the foot of Hinck- 
ley lane, which branches from the main road just before the 
clubhouse is reached. 




The Muskeget Life-Saving Station 



SIASCONSET 

MASSACHUSETTS 




C0PYRIGHT,I9I0. BY J.H.ROBINSON 




The Surf at Sconset 

Village of Siasconset 

RAILROAD between Nantucket and 'Sconset, DEPOT on North, 
or Steamboat Wharf. EIGHT AND ONE-HALF MILES. FARE 
35 CENTS, ROUND TRIP 60 CENTS. 

From Main Street Square, take Orange Street to the STATE ROAD,. 
thence direct SEVEN AND ONE-HALF MILES. Passes "NEW- 
TOWN GATE" (index), the GIBBS POND CRANBERRY BOG 
(index), and GOLF LINKS. Or via POLPIS (page 38), and fol- 
low guideboards or road map TEN AND ONE-HALF MILES. 
Beyond Polpis this route passes SANKATY HEAD LIGHTHOUSE 
(page 35). 

BOAT TO WAUWINET (page 36), thence ALONG SHORE, 
passing SQUAM HEAD, QUIDNET (page 3S), and SACACHA 
POND, thence ALONG THE BLUFF passing SANKATY HEAD 
LIGHTHOUSE (page 35), to 'Sconset. FIVE AND ONE-HALF 
MILES. Train to Nantucket. 

'SCONSET VILLAGE, formerly a quaint little FISH- 
ING HAMLET, whose history dates back to the year 1758,. 
is becoming yearly more popular as an up-to-date seaside 
resort. 

Facing the ocean and overlooking a magnificent marine 
view, the village, with its grass-grown streets, old TOWN 
PUMP and TINY FISHERMEN'S HOUSES, fenced ofif 
in rectangular plots with narrow wavs or lanes running 
between, STANDS ON THE EDGE OF A BLUFF or 
" 'Sconset Bank," about 30 FEET HIGH. "Under the Bank"' 
and stretching away to the ocean is a SANDY BEACH 
an eighth of a mile wide, where the people gather in the 
forenoon to enjoy the fine SURF BATHING or lounge 
about the sands, watch the breakers and drink in the pure 
air, laden with the ocean's saltness. 

In the village is a POST-OFFICE and a number of good 
STORES, where provisions of all kinds can be obtained. 
There are several HOTELS, a SCHOOLHOUSE and a 
CHAPEL, where services are held by all denominations in 
turn, including Roman Catholic. A well-equipped CASINO,. 
TENNIS COURTS, and GOLF COURSE, with the ex^ 
cellent, and safe, surf bathing, and a PAVILION where- 

33 




Sacacha Pond, Looking^Toward Sankaty Head Lighthouse 



WARM SALT WATER BATHS can be had, suggest a 
few of the attractions. 

Across "LOW BEACH" on the south, and two miles 
from the village, is TOM NEVER'S HEAD, and pond, 
where, in 1814, a NAVAL BATTLE took place, just off 
shore. TO SANKATY HEAD LIGHTHOUSE (page 35) 
is a most delightful walk. It is reached by a well-worn 
FOOT-PATH along the edge of the bluff, which, rising 
gradually from Low Beach extends northward to Sankaty 
Head, ONE AND ONE-HALF MILES from the village, 
at which point it reaches an elevation of 92 FEET, the 
HIGHEST POINT ON THE COAST of the island. A 
tramp of two and one-half miles over THE MOORS, and 
among the hills west of Sankaty, brings one to the 
HIGHEST POINT ON THE ISLAND, where the summit 
of SAUL'S HILLS reaches an elevation of 102 FEET above 
the level of the sea. 

THE FIRST WIRELESS TELEGRAPH STATION in 
America, established for actual business, was located in 
'Sconset, and stood directly south of the present station and 
on the opposite side of Main Street. It was moved to its 
present position in 1905, and more powerful apparatus in- 
stalled. Communication can be had with the NAN- 
TUCKET SHOALS LIGHTSHIP, anchored about FIFTY 
MILES southeast of the island, or with the OCEAN 
LINERS which pass at still greater distance. On the 23rd 
of January, 1909, this station caught the distress signal 
"C-Q-D," 'sent out by the steamship "REPUBLIC," then 
in a sinking condition, with several hundred passengers on 
board, who, but for the timely call for assistance sent out 
by this station, would undoubtedly have gone down with 
the vessel. The collision took place 26 miles southwest of 
the lightship, or about seventy miles south of the island. 

34 




Sankaty Head Lighthouse 

Sankaty Head Lighthouse 

One and one-half miles north of 'SCONSET (page 2>i) ■ Or, via 
POLPIS (page 38), and follow guideboards or road map. NINE 
MILES via either Polpis or 'Sconset. 

This lighthouse which stands on the eastern shore of the 
island is one of the finest on the coast. It was BUILT IN 
1850, and stands on a BLUFF 92 FEET IN HEIGHT. 
The light is 166 FEET above the water and can be seen 
at a distance of 22 MILES. 

The light is FIXED WHITE for 50 SECONDS, varied 
by a WHITE FLASH OF 10 SECONDS. The TOWER 
IS WHITE at the top and bottom, with a broad BAND OF 
RED IN THE MIDDLE. 

Quidnet 

Via POLPIS (page 38), and follow guideboards or road map 
SEVEN AND ONE-HALF MILES. Quidnet is distant about one 
and three-quarter miles from WAUWINET (page 36), or SANKATY 
HEAD LIGHTHOUSE (above). 

This former FISHING HAMLET is situated on the 
eastern shore of the island, just north of SACACHA POND, 
in which there is good PERCH FISHING, and is about 
half way between Wauwinet and Sankaty Head. It is a 
favorite CAMPING GROUND and SHORE DINNERS 
can usually be arranged for. 

One of the BOATHOUSES of the Massachusetts Hu- 
mane Society stands near, and a little to the north of, the 
beach. 

SQUAM HEAD is about one mile north, and GREAT 
ROUND SHOAL LIGHTSHIP is anchored eight miles 
off shore. 

35 




Quiidnet, Looking Toward Sankaty Head Lighthouse 

Wauwinei 

Reached BY BOATS which leave North or Steamboat wharf at 9 
and II a. m., 2 and 4 p. m. Returning leave Wauwinet at the same 
hours. SIX MILES UP THE HARBOR. FARE 25 CENTS. 
Or via POLPIS (page 38), and follow guideboards or road map 9 
MILES. Beyond Polpis this route passes EAT FIRE SPRING 
(index). 

BY TRAIN to 'SCONSET (page 33), follow PATH ALONG 
THE BLUFF, passing SANKATY HEAD LIGHTHOUSE (page 
35), to SACACHA POND. Thence ALONG SHORE, passing 
QUIDNET (page 35), and SQUAM HEAD to Wauwinet. FIVE 
AND ONE-HALF MILES. Boat to Nantucket. 



Wauwinet, at the head of the harbor and about an 
HOUR'S SAIL from Nantucket, is made up of summer 

cottages and a HOTEL, the 
"Wauwinet House," where 
SHORE DINNERS are served. 
Many prefer to carry luncheon 
and spend the entire time be- 
tween the arrival and departure 
of the boat on the beach, or 
walk to SQ.UAM HEAD (one 
mile south along the beach or 
l)v road), the COSKATA 
LIFE-SAVING STATION, 
two and one-half miles north, 
or GREAT POINT LIGHT- 
HOUSE (page 37). 

r,oth STILL- WATER AND 
SURF BATHING can be in- 
dulged in at Wauwinet. 
GREAT ROUND SHOAL 
LIGHTSHIP bears N. E., six 
and one-half miles. 

The narrow stretch of beach 
between the ocean and the 
harbor is called the "HAUL- 




Landing at Wauwinet 



36 




Great Point Lighthouse 



OVER," because the fishermen used to haul their 
boats across it as a short cut home, thus saving 
the long" sail around Great Point. The beach is some- 
times broken through by the waves. During the east- 
erly storm of December 15, 1896, an OPENING was made 
by the surf cutting its way through in close proximity to 
the buildings at Wauwinet. The inlet thus made remained 
open for 12 years, but gradually worked its way northward, 
traversing the entire length of the Haul-over Beach, or 
about one mile, until the rising ground of Coskata was 
reached. At times the opening attained width and depth 
sufficient to allow the passage of vessels of over six feet 
draft. 

A photograph, taken by the writer, just before the open- 
ing was closed, can be seen at the Historical Association. 



Great Point Lighthouse 

BOAT TO WAUWINET (page 36), cross the narrow beach 
called the HAUL-OVER to the ocean side, thence north along the 
beach, passing COSKATA POND, and COSKATA LIFE-SAVING 
STATION (one-half mile on left), to Great Point. Distance 5 
MILES. Requires about 2 HOURS' time each way. 



The FIRST LIGHTHOUSE ON GREAT POINT, a 

frame structure, was BUILT IN 1764 and stood until No- 
vember, 1816, when it was destroyed by fire. IN 1818 THE 
PRESENT STONE TOWER was erected, and stands 
about a quarter of a mile from the end of the point. 

The light is 70 FEET above the water and is visible 16 

37 



On the Road to Polpis 



MILES. Lightships on GREAT ROUND SHOAL, a little 
north of east, and HANDKERCHIEF SHOAL, a little 
west of north, are distant about 7 miles from the lighthouse. 
The light is FIXED WHITE WITH A RED SECTOR 
covering CROSS RIP and TUCKERNUCK SHOALS. 
THE TOWER IS WHITE. 



Polpis 

From Main Street Square, take Orange Street to the State Road, and 
follow guideboards, or road map, 6 MILES, passing "NEWTOWN 
GATE" (index), MONOMOY (index), "SHAWKEMO SPRING" 
(index), "MIRIAM COFFIN'S COUNTY SEAT," at QUAISE 

(index). Marker by roadside. 

On an arm of the upper harbor, called Polpis Harbor, is 
the little FARMING SETTLEMENT of Polpis, consisting 
of a few dwellings and a SCHOOLHOUSE. Just across 
the road from the schoolhouse there stood until recently one 
of the oldest houses on the island, built in about 1700. 

A FULLING MILL was erected here in 1708 and the 
little stream which operated the mill has since been known 
as the FULLING MILL BROOK. 

OYSTERS are now being successfully grown in the har- 
bor and a number of fine beds exist. 



38 




"-'■ifntmanwi 

Tuckernuck from the East Pond 

Maddaket 

Main Street, by SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS' MONUMENT 
(page 23), to Maddaket road, SIX AND THREE-QUARTER 
MILES. Passes BENJAMIN FRANKLIN SPRING (below), and 
the LONG POND Cranberry Bog. Northern route crosses Long 
Pond at the "GUT BRIDGE," Southern route at "MASSASOIT 
BRIDGE." Consult road maps. See Life-saving Stations. 

This is the site of the Maddaket LIFE-SAVING STA- 
TION, and a few dwellings at the western end of the island, 
overlooking Hither Creek and MADDAKET HARBOR. 
It was here that Edward Starbuck, Thomas Coleman, and 
Thomas Macy built their hut and spent the winter of 1658-9. 
They were there as the representatives of the first settlers, 
and were sent to negotiate with the Indians regarding the 
purchase of their property ; and also to look over the ground 
and decide upon suitable sites for the houses the settlers 
were about to erect. 

SMITH POINT, the westernmost point of the island, 
where the CABLE HOUSE is located, extends about two 
miles west of the life-saving station. 

One of the BOATHOUSES belonging to the Massachu- 
setts Humane Society stands on the point a short distance 
west of the station. 

From "WARREN'S LANDING" to "BROOKS'S 
LANDING" Tuckernuck (index) is about three miles. 

The Fountain, or BENJAMIN FRANKLIN SPRING, 
on the Maddaket road, marks the site of PETER FOL- 
GER'S HOUSE, where, on August 15, 1667, was born his 
daughter, Abiah, mother of Benjamin Franklin. 

Cemeteries 

All cemeteries, with the exception of the oldest one, are SHOWN 
UPON THE MAP of the town. 

The cemeteries are interesting, because of the QUAINT 

39 



EPITAPHS and the bits of history inscribed upon the old 
moss-covered stones. 

The OLDEST BURIAL GROUND is on a hill NEAR 
MAXCY'S POND, a short distance south of the STAND- 
PIPE of the Wannacomet Water Company, and two miles 
west of the town. (Water works, see The Clifif, page 31.) 
The cemetery site is marked by a GRANITE MONUMENT 
(the old headstone having been removed for preservation), 
erected over the grave of CAPT. JOHN GARDNER, one 
of the great men of his time. Invited to settle upon the 
island "to set up the trade of fishing for the taking of 
codfish," he left his home in Salem, Massachusetts, in 1672, 
and moved to Nantucket. He was a man of much influence 
among the Indians, and in 1680 was appointed Chief Magis- 
trate, the highest office that a Nantucketer could hold. 

This old cemetery is not far from the SITE OF the 
FIRST TOWN (Settlers, page 12), which was called 
SHERBURNE. 

The NEXT OLDEST cemetery is the "OLD NORTH," 
on the northwest corner of New and Grove lanes, and, with 
the exception of the oldest, is marked with the others upon 
the map of the town, viz.: OLD NORTH, NORTH, 
FRIENDS', PROSPECT HILL, CATHOLIC, COLORED, 
and NEWTOWN OR SOUTH. 

At the Historical Association rooms will be found a 
CARD CATALOGUE OF EVERY LEGIBLE INSCRIP- 
TION found upon the old gravestones. 

Books Relating to Nantucket 

Title. Author. 

Miriam Coffin James C. Hart 

Trustum and His Grandchildren Harriet Worron 

There She Blows William Hussey Macy 

History of Nantucket Obed Macy 

History of the American Whale Fishery, Alexander Starbuck 

Nantucket Scraps Jane C. Austin 

'Sconset Cottage Life A. Judd Northrup 

Quaint Nantucket William Root Bliss 

An Island Plant Mary Catherine Lee 




40 



One copy del. to Cat. Div. 



